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General News

Praise for PlanetSKI from Across the Pond

The recognition comes from the global US based web site, Unofficial Networks, that calls us ‘One of the best European ski websites’. It is a USA Today company.

Inquest Hears How British skier Died Off-piste in Chamonix

34-years-old Michael Rowell from Hampshire slipped and fell on to rocks while skiing with a friend. The coroner at Winchester, Jason Pegg, said he ‘simply misjudged the area’ before slipping.

Lets Go E-Bikes!

PlanetSKI’s Alf Alderson reports from the Tignes – Val d’Isere E-Bike Festival. Here are his thoughts on the event…NEW

Dog Rescued from Ben Nevis

The Lochaber Mountain Rescue Team was called up the UK’s highest mountain to bring back a dog that refused to move. NEW

Two Female Ski Athletes Die in Separate Incidents

A French ski mountaineering world champion Adèle Milloz, 26, has died in a fall near Mont Blanc. A 19-year old cross country skier from Slovenia, Hanna Jamnik, dies in accident while training on a road in Norway on roller skis.

Some Glaciers in Himalayas Resisting Climate Change Melt

Some areas of glaciers in the Karakoram Range are defying the global trend of glaciers losing mass. The glaciers of the Himalayas are melting, but not in one area. It appears to be due to an increase in precipitation from the west. NEW

Alpine Glaciers Set for Highest Ice Loss in 60 Years

The summer heatwaves in Europe are having a significant impact with glaciers shrinking sharply. This year is when many have woken up to the fact that on current projections it is likely many glaciers will disappear in the coming decades. UPDATED

Inquest Held into GB Snowboarder Who Died Following Collision

An inquest has heard that Kayleigh Harris was on a day off from her job at a hotel Les Menuires in France 2016 when a skier collided with her after she fell. NEW

Mountain Rescues in Switzerland Rise

In 2021, mountain rescuers were called out 3,680 times, according to the latest figures. This is 20% more than in 2019.

Receding Glacier Reveals Wreckage from 1968 Swiss Plane Crash

A mountain guide has found wreckage of a plane that crashed in 1968 on the Aletsch glacier in Switzerland. As the glaciers melt across the mountains more of their secrets are being given up.

Three Ski Patrollers Honoured for Saving Man’s Life

The incident happened at Wild Mountain in Minnesota, USA last December. 58-year old Charlie Mehr had a heart attack as he was getting on a lift.

Canadian Ski Resort Threatened by Wildfire

Apex Mountain Resort is evacuated and its snow guns are turned on as the Keremeos Creek Fire spreads. We have an updated video from the resort as the fire grows. UPDATED

August’s Skiing Snippets

– Secret Swimming Pools in the Alps Provide Windfall for French Tax Authorities
– Air France Pilots Fight in Cockpit After Geneva Takeoff
– Switzerland Trials Wind Turbine with Solar Panels
– Mummified Chamois Found as Glacier Melts
– Glaciers in the Pyrenees Set to Disappear…LIVE

Artificial Ski Slope Opens Near Ukranian City of Lviv

It claims to be the largest year-round artificial ski slope complex in the world and the facility is spread over 19,000 square metres.

Russian Invasion of Ukraine Disrupts Ski Manufacture

A significant proportion of the skis sold worldwide each year are manufactured in western Ukraine. They are mostly made in factories around Mukachevo. Most are still open but retailers have been told to expect some delays. The area remains under Ukrainian control.

Suicide Six becomes Saskadena Six

The US ski resort in Vermont changes its name as the original name is judged to be insensitive amid increased awareness of mental health.

Final Death Toll in Italian Glacier Collapse Reaches 11

It was feared a 12th person could have been killed, but rescuers now say there is no reason to believe the toll will be higher. A day of mourning has been held. Rising temperatures have been widely blamed for the tragedy. UPDATED

Warnings of Further Glacier Collapses as Climate Change Makes Mountains Unstable

In Switzerland scientists are monitoring the mountain above Kandersteg which is moving several meters a year. A new crack has been spotted on the Marmolada glacier in Italy that partially collapsed killing 11 people earlier this month. UPDATED

Six People Die After Collapse of Italian Glacier

The accident happened in the Dolomites in northern Italy.  The collapse triggered an avalanche of rocks, snow and ice that hit a number of hikers. Eight other people were injured, two are reported to be in a serious condition. It’s feared the death toll could rise as the search operation resumes. UPDATED

July’s Skiing Snippets

– British Woman Dies in Dolomites Fall
– Two Climbers in New Zealand Survive Overnight After Avalanche
– Women & Men to Race Same Distances in Nordic Skiing
– Funding Confirmed for GB Winter Sports Ahead of 2026 Olympics
– Fancy a PR Job in the UK Snowsport Industry?… LIVE & UPDATED

What Does PlanetSKI Do In The Summer? Part Two…

It’s the question we are asked most at this time of year. We’re currently hiking the South Downs Way in preparation for walking at altitude in the Alps later this summer. We’ve now done more than half the route, Eastbourne to Amberley. UPDATED

Air Travel Disruptions Could Extend Into Next Winter & Beyond

That’s the claim from the boss of Heathrow airport as flights continue to be cancelled with some passengers experiencing long delays. The Government has urged action from the travel industry but is criticised for offering little practical support. UPDATED

Winter Tourism Rebounds in the Tirol in Austria After Troubled Times

After Covid-19 the governor of the Austrian state proclaims ‘tourism is back’. The state is heavily reliant on the tourist industry and it faced a challenging winter in 2021/22. UPDATED

Investigation Underway After 99 Schoolchildren Rescued in Austria Alpine Hike 

They were airlifted to safety near the small ski area of Walmendingerhorn after the weather closed in. The teachers put them on a difficult trail after consulting an online guide. Criminal charges could be brought.

Glaciers Around the World Melting Faster Due to Increasing Climate Change

The pace of their melt is accelerating on all the continents on Earth. PlanetSKI examines the current situation, the issues at stake and looks at some of the latest research.

June’s Skiing Snippets

– Back in the Day in Verbier
– Eddie the Eagle Opens Indoor Ski Slope in Devon
– Scientists Investigate ‘Snow Blood’ in the Alps
– International Ski Marathon Federation Bans Russian Athletes
– Spain Backs Out Of Pyrenees 2030 Olympic Bid… LIVE & UPDATED

2022 London Ski & Snowboard Festival is Cancelled

The event was due to take place in October but has been called off due to ‘unforeseen circumstances’.  The organisers claim it will go ahead in 2023. The National Snow Show in Birmingham remains set to go ahead. UPDATED

World Snow Day 2022 Claims Success

The International Ski Federation, FIS, says the 2022 edition of World Snow Day was full of ‘positive moments’. Plans are underway for next season’s event.

Face Masks No Longer Required on Flights & Airports in the EU

From next Monday, May 16th, the guidance will go.  It puts air travel into line with other modes of public transport across Europe and will impact those heading to mountain destinations this summer. UPDATED

Black Folks Do Ski

50 years ago, two black American skiers were introduced by a mutual friend. It led to the ‘National Brotherhood of Skiers’. The two men, both in their 80s, have made it into the US Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame. PlanetSKI has been speaking to them.

New Zealand Re-Opens Borders – Skiing this Summer Now On for International Visitors

From this month international visitors are now able to enter the country if they’re vaccinated and Covid-negative. Summer skiing awaits.

May’s Skiing Snippets

– 2 Dead & 9 Injured After Ice Fall in Swiss Alps
– ‘The Ultimate Run’ Wins Sports Emmy® Award
– Spring Ski Descent of Mont Blanc
– Foothills Above Montreux Turn White…LIVE & UPDATED

International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism Published

It looks at the winter of 2020/21 – a ski season we’d all rather forget with the impact of Covid-19. The 2022 International Report on Snow & Mountain Tourism has just been unveiled during the opening conference of Mountain Planet International Exhibition in Grenoble.

Transforming Tignes – A Seismic Shift is Taking Place in the French Resort

Go to Val d’Isère for the 5-star experience, head to Tignes for the skiing.  It’s what we often hear about these two lift-linked French resorts.  But things are changing, and one property company is at the forefront of efforts to turn the ugly sister of Tignes into Cinderella. It’s expanding into other resorts too.

Scottish Rescue Teams Trial Drones to Find People Lost in the Mountains

New drone technology is allowing mountain rescue teams to improve how they search for people who get stuck and stranded amoung Britain’s highest peaks.

Skiers Urged to Check Covid Entry Requirements

Tens of thousands of people are still arriving at UK airports without the required Covid test certification for their destination country. Many ski countries do not require a negative test for vaccinated travellers but do for unvaccinated. UPDATED

Investigations Continue After Two Women on Mountain Survival Course Die in Avalanche

They were in a party of six in Chamonix, France, with a guide when the avalanche struck. An investigation is continuing. It’s the latest in a numbers of avalanches in the north western Alps. UPDATED

Two British Brothers Lucky to be Alive After La Plagne Avalanche

One was buried under the snow for 15 minutes while the other managed to free himself. 50 people were involved in the rescue operation on Saturday. On Sunday a skier was dug out of an avalanche in Tignes. UPDATED

Ski Trips Hit by Travel Disruption

PlanetSKI reporters have had mixed experiences travelling to Geneva and Zurich. Delays & cancellations at airports and the Port of Dover have impacted people and organisations going skiing this Easter. The travel problems are set to continue this week. UPDATED

Inbounds Avalanche in Whistler Kills 34-Year-Old Man

The Canadian resort has expressed its deepest sympathy to the victim’s family & friends. An investigation is underway. It comes as three ski tourers died in an avalanche in Norway.

Date for 2023 World Snow Day Announced

The 12th edition of World Snow Day will take place on the 15th January 2023. The World Snow Day Awards will also be handed out.

Airport Travel Problems Continue

Airlines operating from the UK are continuing to experience problems as the Easter ski break continues and the winter ski season draws to a close. This weekend the travel problems look set to continue and one school’s ski trip has been disrupted. UPDATED

Glencoe Says Business Down 25% 

The operator of the Scottish ski area has told a newspaper that high fuel prices have played a part in reducing the number of skiers and snowboarders attending this season.

IOC Allocates $2 million to Support Ukraine’s Olympic community

The money is being used to help athletes and their families that are in danger, and to allow for training and attending sporting competitions to go ahead as best as possible under the current circumstances.

British Snowboarder Saved by Phone Safety Feature in Crevasse Fall

41-year old Tim Blakey was riding on his own in a glacier in Saas Fee when he fell into a crevasse. He used an SOS feature on his iPhone to alert the rescue services.

Italy Lifts More Internal Covid-19 Restrictions But Travel Rules Apply

Green passes are not needed for ski lifts, mountain restaurants and other facilities.  A Covid vaccination certificate, recovery certificate or negative test result is needed for travellers entering Italy.

April’s Skiing Snippets

– My Ikon, My Ride
– Fluorinated Wax Set to be Banned by FIS
– Lucky Escape!
– Avalanche Transceiver Recall … LIVE & UPDATED

EU Asks Border Police Not to Stamp Passports of British People With Residency

Some UK people in the alpine nations with residency have been having their passports stamped as they go in and out of EU countries.

UK Ski Operator Has Offers for Next Season

Absolutely Snow is turning its attention to next season as this one draws to a close.  It has four special offers including securing a holiday for 2022/23 for just £1.

Searching for Skiing

The ski operator allChalets reports a growing interest in skiing as travel rules and local Covid-19 restrictions ease. It also claims the Beijing Winter Olympics has provided a boost. It has been crunching the numbers.

Maison Sport Adds Disability Offerings

Maison Sport, the independent ski and snowboard instructor provider, has expanded its service to offer the full range of disability disciplines for skiers & snowboarders of all needs.

British man Dies on Slopes of Meribel

An investigation is underway after a 29-year old man from England died on Sunday morning in the French resort. Few details have been released.

Easter Skiing in Tignes

A new hotel in Tignes, Voulez Vous, has offers in place for the Easter holidays with some complimentary upgrades thrown in.

UK’s First On Mountain Ski & Snowboard Festival Takes Place This Weekend

It’s called The Mighty Coe and you may not be surprised to learn that it takes place at Glencoe in Scotland.  There’s a packed programme and the great news is that there’s currently plenty of snow there. UPDATED

All UK Travel Rules Scrapped

The remaining Covid travel restrictions are gone. The passenger locator form and tests for the unvaccinated are not needed. It has been welcomed by skiers returing this weekend & those heading out over the rest of the season. UPDATED

Investigation After Three Dead in Austria Avalanche

Three ski tourers died and another was injured last Friday in an avalanche in the Oetscher area in Lower Austria. It’s emerged that the group included members of mountain rescue and alpine police. UPDATED

French Ski Resorts Return to ‘Normal’ as Covid Rules Go

The vaccine pass and the requirement to wear masks indoors are being dropped in France from this Monday. It’s good news for the ski resorts as they go into the last six weeks or so of their season.

Police In Scotland Issue Warnings After Six Mountain Deaths

Police Scotland is appealing to hill users and mountaineers to plan ahead and take extra care in the coming weeks. The deaths have occurred in the past two weeks. NEW

Austrian Ski Resorts Welcome Relaxation of Covid Restrictions

It is the last major alpine county to do so and the move brings it more into line with Switzerland, France and Italy. PlanetSKI reports from the Tirol on the welcome change and how hopes are rising for a good end to the season. UPDATED

March’s Skiing Snippets

– Skiing in Scotland: the videos
– Look Who We Bumped Into
– CEO of Aspen Skiing Company Steps Down
– Ukranians Take Refuge in the Mountains …LIVE & UPDATED

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